"When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure." Anonymous

JoAnn Cornelius was born at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, California, on June 9, 1941, to her parents, Jack and Maxine Marsh. She grew up in San Leandro, California, where she graduated from San Leandro High School in 1959. She was friends with Ivan Cornelius in high school, and they started dating shortly after graduation. They were married on July 29, 1960. In 1962, they became proud parents of Gregory Tyler Cornelius. She returned to school and, in 1983, received an Associate in Arts Degree in Developmental Disabilities, graduating with the highest honors.

While supporting her husband’s real estate career and raising their son, she became involved in the HARTs organization that raised funds for Camp Krem. This non-profit charitable organization supports children and adults with developmental disabilities.

In 1989, her family grew when her son married Jeannie Ma. In 1991, JoAnn graduated from California State University Hayward Cum Laude with two Bachelor’s Degrees in Human Development, Gerontology and Studio Art. She used her degrees to establish an art program at a skilled nursing facility to enrich the lives of others. Shortly after, she became a joyful grandmother to her grandchildren, Erin and Ian Cornelius, whom she lovingly nurtured throughout their childhood and teenage years. During that time, she was also a dedicated member of both the HARTs and Inner Wheel organizations, where she continued to make a positive impact in her community. She also supported her husband’s service through Rotary International.

She was not only a compassionate person but a creative one as well. Throughout her life, she studied and practiced photography, oil and watercolor painting, sculpting, graphic design, printmaking, and knitting, which resulted in her creating beautiful works of art. Her creativity was also expressed through her projects for fundraisers and in the cards and presents she made for loved ones. 

JoAnn and Ivan traveled to over 45 countries, from Europe and Asia to South and Central America to Australia and Africa, which deepened their appreciation for the world's different cultures. During their travels, they often assisted in distributing wheelchairs to people with disabilities in Central America, helped immunize children of Ghana from Polio, assisted in supporting new schools in Mexico and Honduras, and much more. Their international ties continued to expand as they hosted over 20 youth exchange students over the years through the Rotary Youth Exchange Student Program, whom they call their international children.

JoAnn was also instrumental in hosting up to 500 foreign exchange students and over 400 Rotary Interact Students from San Leandro High School, Arroyo High School, and Kip Academy for weekend ski trips at their home in Arnold, California. Throughout her career, JoAnn and Ivan also hosted more than 100 business and professional people in their homes from various countries through Rotary’s Group Study Exchange Program. Moreover, she helped host over 100 Russian business people in conjunction with Rotary and the Center for Citizens Initiative (CCI). She always loved opening her home and heart to people. Everyone who met her said she lit up a room with her bright energy and vibrant smile. She had a unique way of making people feel heard and important. She led her life with compassion and kindness, which changed many people's lives. She was the true definition of service above self. She will be forever missed.

She is survived by her loving husband Ivan, son Greg, daughter-in-law Jeannie, and grandchildren Erin and Ian. There will be a celebration of life for this incredible woman on November 16, 2023. For details, please email her granddaughter, Erin Cornelius, at erinlangcornelius@gmail.com before November 3, 2023, as space is limited.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to JoAnn’s favorite charity, Camp Krem https://campingunlimited.org/, or to a charity of your choice to keep her memory and compassion alive.